Even before seeds and plants have been placed in the dirt, the Fountain Hills Community Garden is cultivating the second phase of the project.

The community garden took over the vacant lot in front of the library/River of Time Museum and adjoining parking lot.

Except for five handicap-accessible beds, the initial 50 plots have been leased. Individuals, groups, organizations and business, such as The Fountain Hills Times, have rented a 4 foot by 10-foot raised bed for $250. The beds range in height from one to two feet.

January has been a month for planning and preparation. Initially, an abundance of rain pushed back the installation of a perimeter fence. The fence and gates have been completed to secure the garden from trespassers.

Mid-February, around St. Valentine’s Day, is the safe date to plant without fear of frost. In the meantime, gardeners are preparing and adding nutrients to their beds, learning about water valves, timer and drip systems and installing an irrigation system.

Irrigation classes are scheduled for 8 a.m. on Jan. 28, Feb. 4 and Feb. 11. Members must attend at least one class to learn how to properly install and set up a timer and irrigation lines for the garden beds before planting.

The garden will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily. No pets are allowed in order to prevent attracting coyotes. Children must be supervised at all times.

“This will be a fun place for residents of all ages to exercise, socialize, develop and share skills and most of all build relationships with our neighbors and friends that will continue to hold our community together,” said Garden chairperson Dr. Jyoti Patel. “With your help, we can build a healthier and happier town for our future generations.”

Community involvement

Even with their busy schedules, Mayor Linda Kavanagh and her husband, State Sen. John Kavanagh, purchased a bed because they want to “re-live the joys of ‘back East’ gardening where your planting chores were rewarded with fresh, tasty vegetables and the satisfaction of having made it happen,” said the mayor.

“We also wanted our grandson to experience that joy.

“We had a 30x60-foot garden back then that specialized in tomatoes so sweet you thought they have been injected with sugar.”

They feel even more optimistic with their new venture in the community garden because of its “well-chosen soil, proper irrigation and expert help.”

Three friends – Kathy Bracy, Christie Cano and Leanne Andreasen – are calling themselves “The Garden Girls.” They are sharing the work, and hopefully the rewards, of their harvest from one plot.

They didn’t have space in their home backyards for vegetable gardens but wanted the freshness of grown vegetables. They anticipate learning from each other by sharing the duties of the garden.

Spring growing season

Two distinct growing seasons exist in the low desert with the warm season starting from mid to late February through early summer, By June, shade protections may be necessary because of the heat.

A second chance to plant will be in the cool season from late September or mid-October through April or May.

“Not everything grows in each season,” explained master gardener Liz Segal at a Jan. 7 class for participants. “You can grow all ingredients for salsa but not in the same season.”

Her suggestions for crop choices in the warm season are carrots, broccoli, lettuce, peas, onions, potatoes, spinach, radishes, beets, peepers, melons, eggplant and tomatoes.

Success in growing tomatoes can be chancy, she said, preferring Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes to the beef steak varieties that require about 120 growing days.

“We want everything to be grown in the shortest germination period,” because of the possibility of 100-degree temperatures arriving in late April or early May.

“If it grew in the Bible, it can grow here,” she said, comparing the local climate to that of Mediterranean countries.

Segal encouraged the gardeners to experiment with an array of crops, many of which will not thrive as they did in previous gardens in northern and eastern zone climates.

“Consider it a great experiment and don’t take it personally,” said Segal.